Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Salmonella Strains Isolated at the National Clinical Biology and Public Health Laboratory in Bangui, Central African Republic

In Africa, each year, there are estimated to be more than 91 million cases of salmonellosis and 137,000 cases of death. The problem of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is a threat to public health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated in biological products analyzed at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (NLCBPH) in Bangui. This is, therefore, a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, running from January to December 2022. It focused on the strains of Salmonella isolated and identified in stools, urines, and blood samples. For each strain of Salmonella isolated, an antibiogram was carried out following the recommendations of the French Society of Microbiology (CASFM, 2022). A total of 93 strains of Salmonella have been recorded. The age group 0 - 9 years was 29% and that of >50 years was 11%. The median age of patients was 30 years with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 78 years. The female gender was more represented at 52.69% than the male gender at 47.31%, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.89 (M/F). Salmonella strains were much more isolated in stools at 62% followed by urines at 29% and blood at 6%. Salmonella arizonae strains were more represented with 52%. Salmonella strains have a resistance rate to Tetracycline of 62.37% followed by Penicillins of 50%. The rate of multi-antibiotic resistance of the Salmonella strains isolated represented 48.38%. Salmonella spp. strains were multi-resistant at 58.69% followed by Salmonella arizonae strains at 47.91%. There is a significant association between the different families of antibiotics and Salmonella strains (p < 0.05). According to the results obtained, Penicillins, Phenicoles, and Cyclins had a high rate of resistance on Salmonella strains. No strain-producing Broad Spectrum Beta-lactamase has been isolated. Salmonella strains represent a zoonotic health danger, constitute a public health problem and remain a current subject. This germ is resistant to the antibiotics used. It is, therefore, essential to emphasize monitoring the resistance of these germs in the Central African Republic (CAR) to improve the health of the population.

Case Report: Bilateral Intra-Parenchymal Hematomas Caused by Ventricular Flood Complicating Neonatal Salmonella typhi Meningitis

Salmonella meningitis is an uncommon condition in neonates, and when it does occur, it is often linked to serious complications, such as subdural collections and abscesses. We present a case involving a 23-day-old neonate diagnosed with Salmonella meningitis, who developed complications including bilateral intra-parenchymal hematomas with ventricular involvement. The infant showed significant improvement following an extended course of systemic antibiotics and supportive care.

Anti-biofilm and anti-virulence potential of cell free supernatant of Akkermansia muciniphila against Salmonella

Akkermansia muciniphila is one of the commensals residing within the mammalian gut and co-evolving with the host.Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of A.muciniphila in ameliorating metabolic disorders,while little is known about the antimicrobial potential of A.muciniphila against pathogens.Here,we examined the antimicrobial and anti-virulence properties of cell free supernatant(CFS)of A.muciniphila against Salmonella Typhimurium.CFS retarded bacterial growth and inhibited the motility of S.Typhimurium SL1344 and S.Typhimurium 14028.CFS dose-dependently reduced cell hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation of both strains.Also,CFS from A.muciniphila significantly attenuated biofilm formation.Compared with untreated bacteria,CFS-treated bacteria significantly decreased adhesion and invasion to Caco-2 cells,and reduced intracellular survival in macrophages.CFS maintained antimicrobial properties after treatment with high temperatures and various proteases,while it lost its antimicrobial activity after pH neutralization.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)confirmed that A.muciniphila produced a certain amount of acetate and propionate,and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLCMS)identified other organic acids and metabolites in CFS.In summary,CFS from A.muciniphila exhibited anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties against Salmonella and could be potentially utilized in the food industry for controlling Salmonella contamination and reducing infection.

Low interleukin-10 level indicates a good prognosis in Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium-induced pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(sHLH)triggered by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is rare in pediatric patients.There is no consensus on how to treat S.typhimurium-triggered sHLH.CASE SUMMARY A 9-year-old boy with intermittent fever for 3 d presented to our hospital with positive results for S.typhimurium,human rhinovirus,and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.At the time of admission to our institution,the patient’s T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokine levels were 326 pg/mL for interleukin 6(IL-6),9.1 pg/mL for IL-10,and 246.7 pg/mL for interferon-gamma(IFN-γ),for which the ratio of IL-10 to IFN-γwas 0.04.In this study,the patient received meropenem,linezolid,and cefoperazone/sulbactam in combination with high-dose methylprednisolone therapy(10 mg/kg/d for 3 d)and antishock supportive treatment twice.After careful evaluation,this patient did not receive HLH chemotherapy and recovered well.CONCLUSION S.Typhimurium infection-triggered sHLH patient had a ratio of IL-10 to IFN-γ≤1.33,an IL-10 concentration≤10.0 pg/mL,and/or an IFN-γconcentration≤225 pg/mL at admission.Early antimicrobial and supportive treatment was sufficient,and the HLH-94/2004 protocol was not necessary under these conditions.

Multidrug-Resistant of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains in Chicken Feces Intended for Consumption in Open Spaces of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.

Pretreatment with probiotics Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181 attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium-induced gut injury through modulating intestinal microbiome and immune responses with barrier function in broiler chickens

Background:Preventing Salmonella infection and colonization in young birds is key to improving poultry gut health and reducing Salmonella contamination of poultry products and decreasing salmonellosis for human consumption(poultry meat and eggs).Probiotics can improve poultry health.The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of a probiotics,Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181(E.faecium NCIMB 11181)on the intestinal mucosal immune responses,microbiome and barrier function in the presence or absence of Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typh-imurium,ST)infection.Methods:Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Salmonella-free male broiler chickens(Arbor Acres AA+)were randomly allocated to four groups with 6 replicate cages of 10 birds each.The four experimental groups were follows:(1)nega-tive control(NC),(2)S.Typhimurium,challenged positive control(PC),(3)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated group(EF),(4)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated and S.Typhimurium-challenged group(PEF).Results:Results indicated that,although continuous feeding E.faecium NCIMB 11181 did not obviously alleviate growth depression caused by S.Typhimurium challenge(P>0.05),E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition significantly blocked Salmonella intestinal colonization and translocation(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental E.faecium NCIMB 11181 to the infected chickens remarkably attenuated gut morphological structure damage and intestinal cell apoptosis induced by S.Typhimurium infection,as evidenced by increasing gut villous height and reducing intes-tinal TUNEL-positive cell numbers(P<0.05).Also,E.faecium NCIMB 11181 administration notably promoting the production of anti-Salmonella antibodies in intestinal mucosa and serum of the infected birds(P<0.05).Addition-ally,16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 supplementation ameliorated S.Typhimu-rium infection-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by enriching Lachnospiracease and Alistipes levels,and suppressing Barnesiella abundance.Predicted function analysis indicated that the functional genes of cecal microbiome involved in C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism;valine,leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis;glycerolipid metabolism and lysine biosynthesis were enriched in the infected chickens given E.faecium NCIMB 11181.While alanine,asparate and glutamate metabolism;MAPK signal pathway-yeast;ubiquine and other terpenoid-quinore biosynthesis,protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum;as well as glutathione metabolism were suppressed by E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition.Conclusion:Collectively,our data suggested that dietary E.faecium NCIBM 11181 supplementation could ameliorate S.Typhimurium infection-induced gut injury in broiler chickens.Our findings also suggest that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 may serve as an effective non-antibiotic feed additive for improving gut health and controlling Salmonella infection in broiler chickens.

Dietary supplementation of bilberry anthocyanin on growth performance,intestinal mucosal barrier and cecal microbes of chickens challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

Background Anthocyanins(AC)showed positive effects on improving the intestinal health and alleviating intestinal pathogen infections,therefore,an experiment was conducted to explore the protective effects of supplemented AC on Salmonella-infected chickens.Methods A total of 240 hatchling chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments,each with 6 replicates.Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0(CON,and ST),100(ACL)and 400(ACH)mg/kg of AC for d 60,and orally challenged with PBS(CON)or 10^(9) CFU/bird(ST,ACL,ACH)Salmonella Typhimurium at d 14 and 16.Results(1)Compared with birds in ST,AC supplementation increased the body weight(BW)at d 18 and the average daily gain(ADG)from d 1 to 18 of the Salmonella-infected chickens(P<0.05);(2)AC decreased the number of Salmonella cells in the liver and spleen,the contents of NO in plasma and inflammatory cytokines in ileal mucosa of Salmonella-infected chickens(P<0.05);(3)Salmonella infection decreased the ileal villi height,villi height to crypt depth(V/C),and the expression of zonulaoccludins-1(ZO-1),claudin-1,occludin,and mucin 2(MUC2)in ileal mucosa.AC supplementation relieved these adverse effects,and decreased ileal crypt depth(P<0.05);(4)In cecal microbiota of Salmonella-infected chickens,AC increased(P<0.05)the alpha-diversity(Chao1,Pd,Shannon and Sobs indexes)and the relative abundance of Firmicutes,and decreased(P<0.05)the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota and the enrichment of drug antimicrobial resistance,infectious bacterial disease,and immune disease pathways.Conclusions Dietary AC protected chicken against Salmonella infection via inhibiting the Salmonella colonization in liver and spleen,suppressing secretion of inflammatory cytokines,up-regulating the expression of ileal barrier-related genes,and ameliorating the composition and function of cecal microbes.Under conditions here used,100 mg/kg bilberry anthocyanin was recommended.

Dietary supplemental coated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves growth performance and gut health along with reduces Salmonella load of broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis

Background Reducing Salmonella infection in broiler chickens by using effective and safe alternatives to antibiotics is vital to provide safer poultry meat and minimize the emergence of drug-resistant Salmonella and the spread of salmonellosis to humans.This study was to first evaluate the protective efficacy of feeding coated essential oils and organic acids mixture(EOA)on broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis(S.Enteritidis,SE),and then its action mechanism was further explored.Methods A total of 4801-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned into five treatments with six replicates,including non-challenged control fed with basal diet(A),SE-challenged control(B),and SE-infected birds fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg of EOA(BL),500 mg/kg of EOA(BM)and 800 mg/kg of EOA(BH),respectively.All birds on challenged groups were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis on d 13.Results Feeding EOA showed a reversed ability on negative effects caused by SE infection,as evidenced by decreasing the feed conversion rate(FCR)and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(VH/CD)(P<0.05),obviously decreasing intestinal and internal organs Salmonella load along with increasing cecal butyric acid-producing bacteria abundance(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental different levels of EOA notably up-regulated claudin-1(CLDN-1),occludin(OCLN),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),mucin-2(MUC-2),fatty acid binding protein-2(FABP-2),nuclear factor kappa-light-chainenhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB),myeloid differential protein-88(MyD88)and interleukin-6(IL-6)mRNA levels in the ileum of the infected chickens after challenge,whereas down-regulated toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4)mRNA levels(P<0.05).Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis(LEfSe)showed that the relative abundance of g_Butyricicoccus,g_Anaerotruncus and g_unclassified_f_Bacillaceae significantly was enriched in infected birds given EOA.Also,phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states(PICRUSt)analysis showed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism,fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the EOA group.Conclusion Our data suggest that the essential oils and organic acids mixture can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate and alleviate Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broilers.

Cross-protective effect of acid adaptation on ethanol tolerance in Salmonella Enteritidis

Cross protection can undermine the effectiveness of control measures on foodborne pathogens,and therefore brings major implications for food safety.In this work,the capacity of Salmonella Enteritidis to mount ethanol tolerance following acid adaptation was characterized by analysis of cell viability and cell membrane property.It was observed that preadaptation to pH 4.5 significantly(P<0.05)increased the tolerance of log-phase cells to ethanol;in contrast,stationary-phase cells displayed reduced ethanol tolerance after acid adaptation.However,acid adaptation did not cause cell leakage and morphological change in both log-phase and stationary-phase S.Enteritidis.Fatty acid analysis further revealed that the amount of C_(14:0),C_(17:0 cyclo) and C_(19:0 cyclo) fatty acids was increased,while that of C_(16:1ω7c) and C_(18:1ω7c) fatty acids was decreased,respectively,in response to acid adaptation,regardless of bacterial growth phase.Notably,acid adaptation significantly(P<0.05)increased the proportion of C_(16:0) fatty acid in log-phase cells,but this effect did not occur in stationary-phase cells.Moreover,exogenous addition of C_(16:0) fatty acid to stationary-phase acid-adapted cultures was able to enhance bacterial ethanol tolerance.Taken together,C_(16:0) fatty acid is involved in the growth-phase-dependent protective effect of acid adaptation on ethanol tolerance in S.Enteritidis.

Supplemental N-acyl homoserine lactonase alleviates intestinal disruption and improves gut microbiota in broilers challenged by Salmonella Typhimurium

Background Salmonella Typhimurium challenge causes a huge detriment to chicken production.N-acyl homoserine lactonase(AHLase),a quorum quenching enzyme,potentially inhibits the growth and virulence of Gram-negative bacteria.However,it is unknown whether AHLase can protect chickens against S.Typhimurium challenge.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AHLase on growth performance and intestinal health in broilers challenged by S.Typhimurium.A total of 240 one-day-old female crossbred broilers(817C)were randomly divided into 5 groups(6 replicates/group):negative control(NC),positive control(PC),and PC group supplemented with 5,10 or 20 U/g AHLase.All birds except those in NC were challenged with S.Typhimurium from 7 to 9 days of age.All parameters related to growth and intestinal health were determined on d 10 and 14.Results The reductions(P<0.05)in body weight(BW)and average daily gain(ADG)in challenged birds were alleviated by AHLase addition especially at 10 U/g.Thus,samples from NC,PC and PC plus 10 U/g AHLase group were selected for further analysis.S.Typhimurium challenge impaired(P<0.05)intestinal morphology,elevated(P<0.05)ileal inflammatory cytokines(IL-1βand IL-8)expression,and increased(P<0.05)serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activity on d 10.However,AHLase addition normalized these changes.Gut microbiota analysis on d 10 showed that AHLase reversed the reductions(P<0.05)in several beneficial bacteria(e.g.Bacilli,Bacillales and Lactobacillales),along with increases(P<0.05)in certain harmful bacteria(e.g.Proteobacteria,Gammaproteobacteria,Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia/Shigel a)in PC group.Furthermore,AHLase-induced increased beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria were basically negatively correlated(P<0.05)with the reductions of ileal IL-1βand IL-8 expression and serum DAO activity,but positively correlated(P<0.05)with the increased BW and ADG.Functional prediction revealed that AHLase abolished S.Typhimurium-induced upregulations(P<0.05)of certain pathogenicity-related pathways such as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis,shigellosis,bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection of gut microbiota.Conclusions Supplemental AHLase attenuated S.Typhimurium-induced growth retardation and intestinal disruption in broilers,which could be associated with the observed recovery of gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Exopolysaccharides of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorate Salmonella typhimurium-induced intestinal inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway

Background Salmonella typhimurium(S.T),as an important foodborne bacterial pathogen,can cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis in humans and animals.Numerous studies have confirmed that exopolysaccharides(EPSs)have various biological functions,but the mechanism through which EPSs improve the immunity of animals against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria is unclear.Here,we explored the protective effect of EPSs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG)on the S.T-infected intestine.Methods Mice received adequate food and drinking water for one week before the start of the experiment.After 7 d of prefeeding,2×108 CFU/mL S.T solution and an equivalent volume of saline(control group)were given orally for 1 d.On the fourth day,the mice were treated with 0.5 mg/mL EPSs,1.0 mg/mL EPSs,2.0 mg/mL EPSs,or 2.0 mg/mL penicillin for 7 d.Finally,the body and relative organ weight,histological staining,and the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokines were determined.Results The S.T-infected mice exhibited symptoms of decreased appetite,somnolence,diarrhea and flagging spirit.Treatment with EPSs and penicillin improved the weight loss of the mice,and the high dose of EPSs showed the best therapeutic effect.EPSs significantly ameliorated S.T-induced ileal injury in mice.High-dose EPSs were more effective than penicillin for alleviating ileal oxidative damage induced by S.T.The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in the ileum of mice showed that the regulatory effects of EPSs on inflammatory cytokines were better than those of penicillin.EPSs could inhibit the expression and activation of key proteins of the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway and thereby suppress the level of S.T-induced ileal inflammation.Conclusions EPSs attenuate S.T-induced immune responses by inhibiting the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.Moreover,EPSs could promote bacterial aggregation into clusters,which may be a potential strategy for reducing the bacterial invasion of intestinal epithelial cells.

Intracranial infection and sepsis in infants caused by Salmonella derby:A case report

BACKGROUND Salmonella derby(S.derby)is a Gram-negative diplococcus that is common in the digestive tract.Infected patients generally experience symptoms such as fever and diarrhea.Mild cases are mostly self-healing gastroenteritis,and severe cases can cause fatal typhoid fever.Clinical cases are more common in children.The most common form of S.derby infection is self-healing gastroenteritis,in which,fever lasts for about 2 d and diarrhea for<7 d.S.derby can often cause bacterial conjunctivitis,pneumonia,endocarditis,peritonitis and urethritis.However,intracranial infections in infants caused by S.derby are rare in clinical practice and have not been reported before in China.CASE SUMMARY A 4-mo-old female infant had recurrent fever for 2 wk,with a maximum body temperature of around 39.4°C.Treatment for infectious fever in a local hospital was ineffective,and she was admitted to our hospital.Before admission,there was one sudden convulsion,characterized by unclear consciousness,limb twitching,gaze in both eyes,and slight cyanosis on the face.Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)culture was positive for Gram-negative bacilli,which conformed to S.derby.After treatment with meropenem and ceftriaxone antibiotics,the patient was discharged home in a clinically stable state after 4 wk of treatment.CONCLUSION We reported a rare case of S.derby cultured in CSF.S.derby enters the CSF through the blood–brain barrier,causing purulent meningitis.If not treated timeously,it can lead to serious,life-threatening infection.

Identification of Avian-Derived Ingredients in Livestock and Poultry Meat by PCR Technology

In order to establish a quick and specific method which could identify the avian-derived ingredients,this study used 16 S rRNA gene sequence as target site,and designed the specific primers of chicken,pigeon meat and quail meat. The DNA of common livestock and poultry meat( including mutton,beef,pork,rabbit meat,pigeon meat,quail meat,chicken,duck and goose) was used as template. Though PCR amplification and specific detection,a quick determination method was established to identify the avian-derived ingredients. The results showed that the selected primers could identify the ingredients of animal origin effectively and quickly. The method was convenient and concise,and could detect the chicken-derived,pigeon-derived,quail-derived ingredients in livestock and poultry food quickly and accurately.

Different Species of Salmonella spp and Shigella spp and Their Risk of Infection in N’Djamena Chad

Introduction: Salmonella and Shigella are gram-negative bacilli that are resistant to most antibiotics and play an important role in an etiology of diarrhea disease. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp and Shigella spp isolated from stool and blood samples in the city of N’Djamena. Materials and Method: This was a prospective study conducted in the four district hospitals of N’Djamena from 14 July 2022 to 31 December 2022. A questionnaire form was drawn up to collect the information sent to the study patients. The samples were analyzed at the CHU de la Mère et de l’Enfant, Labo-Redes laboratory according to their protocols and the standard of the antibiogram committee of the French microbiology society. Results: Of the 803 biological samples analyzed, 39 were positive for Salmonella spp and Shigella spp, including 15 for Salmonella and 24 for Shigella, giving an overall prevalence rate of 4.85%. Borehole water, uncooked food and lack of access to a latrine constitute a risk of being infected by Salmonella spp and Shigella spp species. Of the 8 antibiotics tested, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp strains showed good sensitivity to nalidixic acid (100% for Salmonella and 90 for Shigella) and to ciprofloxacin (90.9% for Salmonella and 75% for Shigella). Resistance to ampicillin was found in 81.81% of Salmonella species and 78.57% of Shigella species, as was resistance to chloramphenicol (81.81% of Salmonella species and 67.85% of Shigella species). Similarly, cleanliness of the service and equipment is an essential factor in preventing Salmonella and Shigella infections.

Prevalence of Salmonella in Fresh Produce Tomatoes Sold in Open Market in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Tomato is a widely consumed vegetable in Burkina Faso and throughout the world. However, when handled improperly, it can serve as a vector of pathogen transmission to human if ingested raw or through cross-contamination with cooked food. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp from tomatoes sold in the markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and characteristics of vending conditions. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) different tomato samples were randomly purchased from one hundred and thirteen (113) different vendors in the markets of Ouagadougou. The samples were examined and classified into three categories according to their texture and the level of deterioration. The prevalence of Salmonella spp identification was determined using standard microbiological methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire on transport and vending conditions for tomatoes. In total, Salmonella prevalence was 19.19% in all tomato’s samples analyzed and was 18.18% for intact category, 22.73% in D2 category and 16.67% in category D4. The survey revealed poor transport and sales conditions for the majority of tomato sellers. The present study revealed the presence of Salmonella in tomatoes samples. These results highlight the risk associated with the consumption of tomatoes if hygienic practices are not respected during tomatoes handling and preparation. The results of the study also show the need to wash tomatoes systematically after purchase with a disinfectant, especially tomatoes sold in open markets in developing countries.

Biofilm removal mediated by Salmonella phages from chicken-related source

Salmonella and their biofilm formation are the primary bacterial causes of foodborne outbreaks and crosscontamination. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential of Salmonella phages as an alternative technology for biofilm removal. In this work, 21 Salmonella phages were isolated from a chicken farm and slaughter plant and the phage(CW1)with the broadest spectrum was characterized. Complete genome sequence analysis revealed that the genomes of phage CW1 is composed of 41 763 bp with 58 open reading frames(ORFs)and a holin-endolysin system and it does not encode any virulence or lysogeny. A phage cocktail consisted of CW1(with the broadest spectrum of 70.49%)and CW11, M4 and M10(with a high lytic activity of more than 67.11%)was established. Treatment with the cocktail reduced the cells in the developing biofilm and mature biofilm by 0.79 lg(CFU/cm~2)and 0.4 lg(CFU/cm~2), respectively. More dead cells and scattered extracellular polymeric substances(EPS)were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Raman analysis found that carbohydrates and proteins were the identification receptors for scattered EPS. This finding suggests that this phage cockta il has potential applications for the sterilization of Salmonella biofilm during meat processing.

Risk factors associated with Salmonella in dairy cattle farms in Henan and Hubei provinces,China

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors associated with the Salmonella infection status of dairy herds in Henan and Hubei provinces,China.Herds were assigned a Salmonella status based on the isolation of Salmonella from fecal samples obtained from adult lactating dairy cows.Information on potential biosecurity risk factors was collected using a questionnaire template via a 15-min face-to-face interview with dairy cattle producers from May 2020 to March 2021.The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions across two broad categories of potential biosecurity risk factors:farm and biosecurity managemental factors.A total of 48 farms were surveyed.In all(100%,48/48)of the surveyed farms,although sick animals were separated from healthy animals using fencing,there were no strict quarantine protocols for newly introduced animals.Mixed species rearing was practiced in 35.4%(17/48)of the farms.Feces were removed more than once a day in 45.8%(22/48)of the farms,whereas the remainder(54.2%,26/48)only removed animal feces once a day.A total of 29.2%(14/48)of the farms were located<2 km from other livestock farms.The use of personal protective equipment was consistently performed on all farms,with a major-ity of the workers on most farms(81.3%,39/48)always disinfecting footwear before entering production areas.A significant association between Salmonella-positive status and the high frequency of the presence of wildlife(birds and rodents in sheds and feed storage places)was recorded(OR:11.9,95%Cl:1.7,84.1,p=0.013).Fortunately,no farms shared farm equipment with other farms.The study highlights the occurrence of wildlife as a risk factor for the presence of Salmonella in investigated dairy herds.There is a need to institute appropriate on-farm control measures for wild birds and rodents to control the potential spread of Salmonella in dairy production systems.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Escherichia Coli and Salmonella Typhi Isolated from Meat and Fish Samples from Selected Markets in a Metropolis and District in Ghana

Antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge to the treatment and prevention of infections resulted in high morbidity and mortality globally. The inappropriate or abuse of antibiotics in animal farming is a key factor and thus led to the emergence of bacteria resistance and subsequent transfer of resistance genes to humans through the food chain. This study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from various meat and fish samples and their susceptibility patterns against five commonly used antibiotics in Ghana (Ciprofloxacin 5 μg, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 20/10 μg, Imipenem 10 μg, Tetracycline 30 μg and Ceftazidime 30 μg). A total of 105 meat and fish samples were obtained from Tema and Prampram markets and bacteria isolation was carried out using appropriate selective microbial culture media and various biochemical methods for identification. The susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the results were interpreted using the CLSI 2020 guidelines. The results revealed a total of 56 bacterial isolates comprising 14 E. coli (25%) and 42 S. typhi (75%) isolated from the meat and fish samples. The antibiogram study showed a high resistance rate (88.64%) of S. typhi isolates to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and tetracycline (97.73%). A moderate susceptibility of the isolates was obtained with imipenem (53.27%). All the E. coli isolates were resistant to tetracycline (100%) and demonstrated 78.57% and 50% resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ceftazidime respectively. A total of 78.57% of the E. coli isolates and 68.18% of S. typhi isolates showed multidrug resistance. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index for all the isolates ranged from 0.2 to 1.00 with two S. typhi isolates and one E. coli isolate having a MAR index of 1.00 signifying total resistance to all the 5 antibiotics tested. In conclusion, E. coli and S. typhi isolated from the meat samples exhibited high rate of resistance against the antibiotics tested and thus possesses a major health risk due to inappropriate use of antibiotics in animal and fish farming and possible transfer of resistant strains to humans.

Allelic functional variation of FimH among Salmonella enterica subspecies

Salmonella enterica has a wide diversity,with numerous serovars belonging to six different subspecies with dynamic animal-host tropism.The FimH protein is the adhesin mediating binding to various cells,and slight amino acid discrepancy significantly affects the adherence capacities.To date,the general function of FimH variability across dif-ferent subspecies of Salmonella enterica has not been addressed.To investigate the biological functions of FimH among the six Salmonella enterica subspecies,the present study performed several assays to determine biofilm for-mation,Caenorhabditis elegans killing,and intestinal porcine enterocyte cell IPEC-J2 adhesion by using various FimH allele mutants.In general,allelic mutations in both the lectin and pilin domains of FimH could cause changes in bind-ing affnity,such as the N79S mutation.We also observed that the N79S variation in Salmonella Dublin increased the adhesive ability of IPEC-J2 cells.Moreover,a new amino acid substitution,T260M,within the pilin domain in one subspecies llb strain beneficial to binding to cells was highlighted in this study,even though the biofilm-forming and Caenorhabditis elegans-killing abilities exhibited no significant differences in variants.Combined with point muta-tions being a natural tendency due to positive selection in harsh environments,we speculate that allelic variation T26oM probably contributes to pathoadaptive evolution in Salmonella enterica subspecies llb.

Antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing of Salmonella in the chicken production chain in Hubei Province, China

Salmonella is a significant foodborne zoonotic pathogen that endangers both human and animal health.The goal of this research is to gain a preliminary understanding of Salmonella contamination and antimicrobial resistance in the chicken production chain in Hubei Province,China.1149 animal and environmental samples were collected from chicken farms,slaughterhouses,and retail markets in six cities across Hubei Province in China from 2019 to 2020,yielding Salmonella isolation rates of 4.68%(28/598),12.21%(47/385),and 9.64%(16/166),respectively.Seventeen distinct serotypes were detected among 53 non-clonal Salmonella strains,of which Meleagridis(26.42%,14/53)was the dominant serotype.Almost half of the strains(49.06%,26/53)were multi-drug resistant(MDR).Whole-genome sequencing(WGS)showed that 10 resistance genes(tetA,bla_(TEM),parC,qnrs1,floR,aac(6'-ly,aph(6)-ld,aph(3")-b,aac(6')-laa and sul2)and 7 categories of virulence genes were present in all three links in 22 non-clonal dominant serotype strains.It was shown that Salmonella in the chicken production chain in Hubei Province had a high resist-ance rate to Tetracycline(TET,73.58%),Ofloxacin(OFL,69.81%),Florfenicol(FFC,60.38%)and Ampicillin(AMP,39.62%)which was consistent with the widespread use of these drugs in the husbandry industry in China.Salmonella ST types determined by MLST and serotypes determined by WGS had a one-to-one correlation.Minimum spanning tree analysis revealed that there was cross contamination of Salmonella in farms and slaughterhouses,slaughterhouses and markets,animal samples and environmental samples.This work provides useful information for the prevention and control of contamination and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella in the chicken production chain,as well as demonstrating the dependable role of WGS in Salmonella molecular typing.